President Donald Trump threatens to deploy ICE to airports as DHS funding bill stalls

President Donald Trump escalated the ongoing government funding standoff on Saturday, March 21, 2026, by threatening to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to US airports beginning Monday if congressional Democrats fail to immediately agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

The president made the ultimatum through multiple Truth Social posts, declaring that 'if the Radical Left Democrats don't immediately sign an agreement to let our Country, in particular, our Airports, be FREE and SAFE again, I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to the Airports where they will do Security like no one has ever seen before.'

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Trump specifically indicated that ICE agents would carry out 'the immediate arrest of all Illegal Immigrants who have come into our Country, with heavy emphasis on those from Somalia.'

The threat came as the partial government shutdown entered its 36th day, with no immediate resolution in sight despite growing disruptions at airports nationwide.

The partial government shutdown, now in its 36th day, has severely impacted Transportation Security Administration operations, with approximately 50,000 airport security screeners working without pay since March 13, 2026.

The funding impasse has triggered widespread staffing shortages as TSA officers call in sick or seek additional employment to cover their expenses.

BBC

Official data shows that more than 360 TSA employees have resigned since the shutdown began in mid-February, while absenteeism rates have soared to over 50 percent at some major airports like Houston and 30 percent in New Orleans and Atlanta.

The resulting disruptions have led to wait times of up to two hours at security checkpoints, with some smaller airports facing potential temporary closures if the staffing crisis continues.

Union officials report that many TSA workers' bank accounts have reached zero or negative levels, with employees forced to sleep in their cars and even have blood drawn for money to cover gas expenses to get to work.

The funding stalemate stems from deep political disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over immigration enforcement practices, particularly regarding ICE operations.

“The departments said that absence rates are averaging 20% in some airports”

Business Insider

Democrats have refused to approve full DHS funding without substantial reforms to immigration enforcement, citing the recent deaths of two American citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, during federal intervention operations in Minneapolis.

The Democratic demands include requiring warrants for entry to private residences, mandatory visible identification of agents, prohibitions on mask usage, and expanded body camera requirements.

Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has insisted on a partial solution, stating 'Tomorrow, the United States will see the issue clearly: which senators want to reopen TSA … and which will block it.'

Conversely, Republicans argue that the ICE masking ban and other restrictions Democrats are seeking are a bridge too far, with Senate Republican Leader John Thune warning about the urgency: 'There are people lining up at the airports. This has to be fixed.'

The White House has made some concessions, expressing willingness to codify body camera usage, visible officer identification, and restrictions on operations at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.

Trump's proposal to deploy ICE agents to airport security checkpoints has raised significant concerns about operational effectiveness and legal authority, as ICE agents are not specifically trained for airport security functions.

Transportation Security Administration screeners undergo months of specialized training before they are qualified to operate security equipment, while ICE agents have different expertise focused on immigration enforcement.

CNBC

Legal experts question whether ICE or Customs and Border Protection has statutory authority to pick up non-US citizens within the country without a warrant at airports, pointing to the relevant code (USC 1357) which permits arrests without a warrant only within certain geographic distances from external boundaries.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, criticized Trump's proposal as 'another reckless, lawless threat to misuse ICE agents,' stating 'He seems to have no concept of what the limits are on ICE, and I think America would be absolutely appalled to see ICE agents roaming through airports.'

Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk offered to cover the salaries of TSA personnel during the funding impasse, with estimates suggesting that paying TSA officers' salaries could cost more than $40 million per week, which is financially feasible for the world's richest person.

The escalating crisis reflects broader tensions in American governance and immigration policy, with potential consequences extending beyond airport disruptions.

“Last year, Trump announced a wealthy, unnamed donor provided $130 million to help cover military pay shortfalls caused by the administration's first government shutdown, the longest in history”

CNBC

The partial shutdown has forced airports to implement emergency measures, including food banks for employees, temporary assistance programs, and community support in cities like Pittsburgh and South Florida.

CNN

Some airports have begun allowing passengers to book specific time slots for TSA security to reduce wait times.

The situation follows a pattern where wealthy individuals have stepped in to cover government costs during shutdowns, reminiscent of last year when an unnamed donor provided $130 million to help cover military pay shortfalls during what was then the longest government shutdown in history.

As the standoff continues into the busy spring break travel season, pressure mounts on both sides to reach a resolution before potential Holy Week recesses.

The uncertainty surrounding DHS funding timelines, combined with Trump's aggressive rhetoric targeting specific immigrant communities and political figures like Representative Ilhan Omar, suggests that the airport security crisis may intensify before any resolution is achieved.